After a long search process for NCC’s new president, the Board of Trustees reached a unanimous decision to select Dr. Anita Thomas as not only the first woman president, but the first woman of color elected as NCC president. Students could not appear more thrilled.
The importance of representation
Alanchea Johnson, ’23, recounted her feelings at the ceremony as she watched Dr. Thomas’s induction.
“The ceremony was awesome and made me a bit emotional. Overjoyed is an understatement for how I felt. It was definitely a memorable moment. Not only is the president a woman, but a woman of color! Both are a big deal to me and so many others,” said Johnson.
Students currently look forward to her leadership. NCC student and employee, Jake Rehling, ’23, shared his hopes for what Thomas will bring to the table when it comes to leading NCC.
“This school needs female leadership and empowerment, and she is what we need. All of our presidents have been white men. How can we pride ourselves on diversity when barely any of our leaders are diverse? I truly believe that Dr. Thomas will pave the way to help with this issue in the future,” said Rehling.
Students’ first impressions
First impressions are vital when coming onto a new campus as such an important authoritative figure. Student-athlete, Connor Riss, ’23, reminisced on what he first thought of Thomas.
“I really liked the energy she brought to her induction. She seems extremely knowledgeable and ready to take action as soon as she starts. She had a good sense of humor too and made sure the environment was light-hearted and fun for everyone there,” said Riss.
Certain students, chosen as student representatives to help interview the final candidates, were able to meet Thomas before she was chosen as president. According to these students, Dr. Thomas made a strong first impression.
“When I first met her over lunch in January, my first initial thought was that she is hilarious. Her sense of humor is one of the qualities I took note of. I think that’s refreshing to see in a president, rather than one who is always so serious. She knows how to lighten up a room,” said Johnson.
What students hope to see
NCC Students are passionate about their campus leaders. Following Dr. Thomas’s induction, they have high hopes for her future work.
“I hope communication improves with the administration on letting students in on on-campus updates. I would love to see her bring more awareness to all departments at NCC and shed light on what they have to offer. Everyone deserves to be recognized, and I hope she brings out that recognition to all students,” said Rehling.
The future of NCC
Dr. Thomas said in her speech that she believes “education is activism,” and she has made the impression on the students of NCC that she will support them and their education. According to student representatives and general campus consensus, NCC appears to be in good hands moving forward.
